Chapter 7: Mikoto

Author Note: Nothing of importance, just enjoy the chapter, and if you have any questions, make sure to comment!

Do remember that due to me numbering these chapters in pattttreon from 0 to above this chapter would be chapter 5 in Patreeeeon.

And like always, remember if you want to read up to 10 chapters ahead go to https://www.patreón.com/cornbringer

I'm currently updating the novel 2-3 chapters a day in patreeeeon.

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Enjoy you sexy bastards.

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"That's a good goal," I replied, lifting my sword again. "Let's make sure we survive long enough to see it happen."

Itachi nodded, his grip tightening around his weapon. "We will," he vowed, readying himself for the next round of our training session.

However, before we could continue, our training session was interrupted by a gentle yet firm voice. "Boys, it's time to eat," Uchiha Mikoto called out from the entrance of the training yard.

Mikoto stood there with a warm smile, one hand resting on her slightly rounded belly. She was about three or four months pregnant; I wasn't entirely sure how far along she was, just that she was showing.

That was something else that was new.

The news of Mikoto's pregnancy had been one of the many changes in the past two years. The idea of Sasuke, someone who would become so pivotal in the future, being born into this war-torn world felt surreal. Knowing what I did about the future of this world, I often found myself contemplating the paths each of us would take.

In the anime, it was never shown or stated that Sasuke had been born during the war, so either the anime wasn't as accurate as I would've wanted it to be, or the Third Shinobi War was really coming to an end sooner than most expected.

Either way, I suppose it didn't matter.

"How was training today, boys?" Mikoto asked as we made our way toward the dining room. Her eyes held a glimmer of motherly concern, scanning us for any injuries or signs of exhaustion.

"As usual," I replied, a faint smile gracing my face.

Mikoto had always been kind to me, treating me like one of her own. Her calm and nurturing demeanor made the Uchiha compound feel more like a second home, which was surprising considering 99.99% of the Uchiha were egotistical assholes who looked down on anyone for whatever reason.

There were a few exceptions, of course, like Mikoto, who was simply the best Uchiha, no questions asked, and Fugaku, who, despite not being exactly friendly with anyone, wasn't an outright jerk. His stern gaze often felt more like fatherly concern, hidden behind layers of traditional Uchiha pride and stoicism.

"You two have both been working hard," Mikoto said, her eyes twinkling with pride as she ruffled both our hair. "Come, let's have lunch. You need to keep your strength up."

"Thank you, Mother," Itachi replied, his usual stoic self softening in her presence.

"Thank you, Lady Mikoto," I added, bowing slightly in respect. She simply chuckled, a soft melody that brought warmth to my heart.

"No need to bow, Takeshi," Mikoto smiled at me warmly. "You're practically family at this point."

"I'll keep it in mind," I replied as we entered the dining room. The table was already laid out with a spread of food that made my mouth water and my stomach grumble in response.

Mikoto was a great cook, and by great I mean restaurant-worthy.

"How's your mother?" Mikoto asked as she started serving us.

"She's fine. Working a bit too much, though," I answered, accepting the bowl of rice she passed me. Despite my mother not being on active duty, her work had tripled, forcing her to stay out late in the Hokage office.

"Maybe I should visit her," Mikoto suggested, concern etched on her face. "It's been quite some time since we chatted over tea."

Another thing that had changed during these past two years was that my mother and Mikoto were basically best friends. Before I befriended Itachi, my family had some connections to the Uchiha Clan, mostly through my father, who is the main blacksmith for the clan. However, now that Itachi and I were friends, well…

The once professional relationship had changed into a more personal one. Days often found my mother and Mikoto huddled over cups of steamy tea, gossiping like teenage girls. At times, they even disappeared together on what they called 'women-only outings,' leaving me in Itachi's company at either the Uchiha compound or with my father taking care of us.

"I'm sure she would love it," I replied, appreciating the thought.

"Do you want soup?" Mikoto asked, lifting the ladle from the pot.

"Yes, please," I replied, watching her stir the steaming broth.

"Have you gotten any news about Lord Fugaku?" I asked, grabbing my soup.

The question hung heavy in the air. Mikoto paused for a moment before serving the soup, her expression unreadable.

"He's...still on the field. His time has been extended," Mikoto replied, choosing her words carefully. It meant most of the reasons behind why Fugaku wasn't here were confidential, or at the very least not for me to hear.

The atmosphere took a dip. I thought it best to change the subject. "So, do you know if you're giving Itachi a little sister or a little brother?"

The tension in the air lifted at once, replaced by a soft smile on Mikoto's face. She touched her belly affectionately, her eyes glowing with unspoken warmth and love. "We don't know yet, and we want to keep it a secret," she confessed, chuckling lightly. "But Itachi thinks it's going to be a little sister."

"Do you now?" I said, a faint smile on my face as I turned to look at Itachi.

Itachi looked up from his bowl, his eyes meeting mine with a soft smile. He seemed thoughtful for a moment before he spoke, his voice calm yet certain. "Yes, I think so...a sister would be nice."

"Well, I'm willing to bet it's going to be a boy. Let's say… twelve orders of any food of your liking," I replied with a teasing grin. "What do you say?"

Itachi looked thoughtful for a moment before a warm smile tugged at his lips. "Deal. Let's see who's right, shall we?"

"It doesn't matter," Mikoto exclaimed, laughing softly as she returned to the stove. "Either way, the baby will be loved and cherished."

True, but seeing I had the upper hand due to my meta knowledge, limited as it was, I was going to make something out of it before it became obsolete. I would've bet more, but seeing Itachi's income is his allowance, I had to play with what I had.

"So, who wants some tempura fish?" Mikoto asked as she moved to another pot simmering on the stove. The smell of fried fish filled the room, making my mouth water even more.

Itachi and I shared a look before raising our hands in unison.

"Two hands up over here!"